The Importance of Wearing a Helmet with Cory Rubin

#AskCoryRubin

Wearing a helmet isn’t just the law in many instances, but it can save your life. It may not always seem fashionable, however the importance of wearing a helmet can be seen when comparing the vast difference in brain trauma in those who wear helmets and those who don’t. When an individual strikes their head in an accident, a helmet will lessen the impact when striking the ground. It is important to remember that it isn’t just enough to wear a helmet, it is necessary that it is worn properly to maximize its effectiveness.

There are numerous deaths that occur each year from bicycling and motorcycle riding, however according to statistics more than 75% of fatalities and more than 85% of all bike related injuries can be prevented if riders wear helmets. Many people will see these numbers and think that they will never be one of those statistics, but why take the chance?

It may surprise many individuals to know that when they are injured in a bicycle/motorcycle accident, they may bear partial responsibility for their injuries if they are NOT wearing a helmet. This is known as contributory negligence. According to the law, a rider may be found to have contributed to their injuries by not taking proper precautions and wearing a helmet. What this means is that in a lawsuit, where the rider successfully proves the at fault driver is liable for the accident, any award of damages may be reduced by the fault percentage attributed to the rider in contributing to their injuries. As an example, if a rider is awarded $100,000.00 in damages and is said to be 25% at fault for their injuries, the rider will only receive $75,000.00 in damages.

It is important to remember that there are many factors on the road that are out of your control, especially for bicyclists and motorcyclists. What you can control is how you protect yourself when riding. Your brain is the most delicate and vital organ that you have, special care must be taken to protect it. Don’t put your brain at risk and do the smart thing, wear a helmet.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Lawyer, Cory Rubin:

  1. I met my wife on a boat
  2. I am a hockey goalie
  3. I have trial experience
  4. I was Dean for a Day at Osgoode Hall Law School
  5. I love to eat bagels